PMP Exam Prep Resources, Lessons Learned, and Recommendations (PMBOK 6th Edition)

At the end of June, 2020, I passed the PMP exam. First time GO and above target in all domains. However, I did not do this alone, and I did not use a sole source to achieve this. Success was a COLLECTIVE effort, and I want to stress that point and provide the tools and resources to help others who challenge themselves to PASS the exam and achieve the PMP certification.

First, don’t be fooled – this is not an easy exam. I thought I failed, and didn’t even answer all the questions as I raced to finish the exam in the allotted time. This is a failure on my part mostly due from my tendency to over-analyze and doubt my responses, which I recommend you DO NOT do when taking the actual exam or practice exams.

Second, I HIGHLY recommend using multiple resources to reinforce training. If you are using the SkillSoft training platform provided by Syracuse University, through a program such as Onward to Opportunity (O2O) or other venues, then definitely heed this advice. The IVMF training is great, and the practice tests are also good, but I personally needed more to solidify the knowledge and processes in my mind. Having an eclectic array of PMBOK reinforcements will really assist you in understanding and processing the principles needed to earn the PMP certification.

Third, establish and follow a plan, then stick to it!!! Just like any other project, your study plan should have a start and target finish date. When the “Iron Triangle” of triple constraints (scope, time, cost) of your project to get this certification needs adjusting, as most projects do, ensure you re-baseline and get back on track. Be encouraged, it happens to ALL OF US. I had to adjust based on my personal changing circumstances.

General Timeline:  For reference, the following timeline of events and some lessons learned based my experience: 

Mid-OCT, 2019: Admittance into O2O, Online 2019 NOV Cohort, Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) through Syracuse University.

Mid-NOV, 2019: Access granted to Online Learning Management System (LMS) and PMP coursework. Started 6-month timeline to complete the requirements as part of this unique program for transitioning Servicemembers to assist earning the PMP certification.

DEC-JAN, 2019-20: Completed PMP training and section tests through Skillsoft, 35 contact hours. Earned the O2O training certificate in Mid-JAN, 2020.

Mid-JAN thru Mid-APR, 2020: Focused on fellowship with Hiring Our Heroes Corporate Fellowship Program. During this time, I did not focus on PMP training, nor did I rehearse my knowledge. 

Note for Lessons Learned Register: When other priorities take precedence, do not allow your PMP knowledge to stagnate. Practice or review something related to your PMP training at least once/week.

APR, 2020: Registered with Project Management Institute (www.PMI.org) and applied for the exam. Generated support for the project hours I claimed when registering for the exam. Mustering support was time consuming, as I listed 11 projects with multiple contact stakeholders over a 44-month timeframe, to exceed the required 36 months and 4500 hours of proven project management experience supported with a 4-year college degree. Highly recommend you gain contact with the references listed for your projects as insurance in the event of an audit. I took no chances and verified my contacts and their concurrence prior to submission to PMI. 

Note for Lessons Learned Register: Confirm contact information and gain concurrence with project references before submitting project experience to PMI.

Mid-APR thru Mid-MAY, 2020: Completed the Skillsoft training again, 35 contact hours, to regain familiarization; completed the practice tests above 80% and earned the TestPrep PMP certificate; thereby completing requirements for the IVMF O2O program. 

Note for Lessons Learned Register: Take practice exams fairly close together (1-3 days apart) to retain thought processes and see similarities between types of questions asked. 

JUN, 2020: Scheduled PMP exam (multiple attempts). I found that if you register your phone number with a +1 (area code) on your profile with PMI.org, then Pearson Vue will not process your exam request due to a disparity in profiles. This issue finally got resolved with Pearson Vue and PMI customer service, but set me back a bit. 

Note for Lessons Learned Register: Don’t add an extra +1 to your phone number area code on your PMI profile! 

Mid-JUN to Exam Date: Reviewed material, studied/memorized PMP Exam Quick Reference Guide, utilized PMP Exam Simulator - took timed and learning quizzes, and 5x practice tests.

Note for Lessons Learned Register: HIGHLY recommend PMP Exam Simulator. Game-changer.

29JUN2020: Administered PMP Exam, online version. Scheduled for 10:15, didn’t start until 11:30. Delays in proctor processing prevented starting in a timely manner. Keep that in mind when utilizing the online version of the PMP exam. Finished the exam between 3:30-3:45 pm, and received “Congratulations on earning your PMP certification” or something like that, but didn’t see detailed results. I only was able to complete some surveys immediately after the exam to provide feedback.

Note for Lessons Learned Register: Expect delays in online exam proctor processing on exam day.

02JUL2020: Received confirmation of test results via email and link to PMI.org that displayed my level of proficiency in all 5 domains as tested.

Recommended Resources: The following resources are what I used and therefore recommend utilizing to gain better comprehension of the material needed to earn your PMP certification. 

1. O2O IVMF Skillsoft training, 35 contact hours, and practice exams. Go through once, maybe 2x. I like the training layout and additional resources that O2O IVMF provides. It is a great resource for collaboration and support with others who are in the program as alumni or in the same cohort as you are.

2. Vet2PM – Phenomenal resource for training and resources. I used and highly recommend using their PMI PMP Application & Translator.

3. PMP Exam Quick Reference Guide, Sixth Edition, by Andy Crowe, PMP. Keep this handy and refer to the material as you go through the training, and take practice exams. If you know and memorize the concepts and information on this reference guide, you should do very well on the exam(s). Thanks to Stephen Semmelroth for this advice earlier this year!

4. Review this video by Ricardo Vargas that explains the PMBOK Guide 6th Ed Processes. I found it very helpful to wrap my head around how the processes are interrelated in the PMBOK. I downloaded his processes flow charts and had them printed and laminated at Office Depot. Helped in following processes during practice exams and retraining. Thanks to Matthew Oles who offered this suggestion months ago.

5. Develop a solid PMP study plan. PrepCast is an awesome resource to utilize to do so!

6. PMP Exam Simulator – this is a game-changer. A MUST-HAVE in my book to pass the real exam for the PMP certification. Grateful that Josh Cubero clued me in on this last year!

7. Pocket Prep – this is very handy app for your mobile phone for on-the-go exam prep. I focused on this only a month before the test, but wish I had used this much earlier on in my preparation!

8. PMBOK Guide, 6th Edition. Study and be very familiar with Table 1-4. Project Management Process Group and Knowledge Area Mapping. As well as Table 4-1. Project Management Plan and Project Documents. Doing so will help weed out incorrect made-up terms as distractors you will encounter to select from on test and quizzes.

9. Look to Project Management Institute for Tips to Prepare for the Exam. In particular the Current PMP Exam Content Outline prior to taking the exam.

10. For online testing, ensure your system is ready for exam day by conducting an OnVue system test.

I hope this article helps others in grappling the feat of studying for and passing the PMP exam. It is a lot of work, but very rewarding when you achieve the PMP certification. Please share and encourage other aspirants to do the same!